Like virtually all wireless electronic devices, hearing aids are
powered by batteries and these batteries need to be replaced on a
regular basis. The particular battery used, as well as its longevity
and power charge, will vary somewhat depending on the specific hearing
aid model.
Hearing aid batteries are a separate category of battery
products. Today, most hearing aids take one of four standardized
hearing aid battery types which are uniquely identified via a color
code and a size number. The classification is as follows: yellow / size
10, orange / size 13, brown / size 312, and blue / size 675.

Hearing
aid batteries are made by a large number of manufacturers, including
Energizer, Duracell, and Rayovac. However, by remembering the size and
color of the batteries used for their hearing aids, consumers can be
sure of buying the right batteries regardless of manufacturer.
Typically, a hearing aid battery will provide five to seven days of
usage. Given the frequency of replacement, most consumers will want to
have a spare battery on hand for when the one in the hearing aid runs
out of charge.

Hearing aid batteries may be purchased at retail
stores or online. Most hearing aid batteries are “zinc air” types,
meaning that they work by mixing zinc with the outside air. These
batteries come with a tab which must be removed to activate the
battery. Once the tab has been taken off, it takes about a minute for
the battery to activate, at which point it will continue to stay active
until it runs out of charge. This is a one-way process, meaning that
the battery cannot then be deactivated by replacing the tab. As long as
the tab remains undamaged, a hearing aid battery will have a shelf life
of about three years.

Battery manufacturers have several
recommendations to extend the life of hearing aid batteries. Turning
off the hearing aid at night and opening the battery compartment will
reduce battery drain and keep moisture from clogging the air hole.
Keeping the hearing aid and the back-up batteries at room temperature
will also improve longevity and performance. Avoiding contact with
metal objects such as keys or coins will prevent the batteries from
shorting out.

Traditionally, hearing aid batteries have
contained mercury to aid conductivity and stabilize internal materials.
However, the presence of mercury has been an issue for environmentally
conscious consumers. Recently, a number of manufacturers have made
“zero mercury” models available. These batteries offer comparable
performance to traditional products, but with the added benefit of not
containing mercury. It is expected that in the near future all hearing
aid battery manufacturers will transition their products to the “zero
mercury” model.

Given the small sizes of hearing aid batteries, it
is vitally important to keep them out of the reach of infants and
children. If a battery is accidentally swallowed or ingested, emergency
health services should be contacted immediately. As an additional
resource, the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C.
operates a 24/7 hotline for battery ingestion cases at: (202) 625-3333.

This is a summary of hearing aid battery
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Below we
have included a color coded chart showing each of the primary hearing
aid battery sizes, their associated colors, and the corresponding
product codes from leading battery manufacturers.